Screening Resumes is vital to the recruiting & hiring process. In todays high-paced environment, many Human Resource, Consulting Firms, and Recruiting Firms now depend on a single individual or computer software to streamline the process. Though screening resumes is time consuming, pre-planning is essential in assuring qualified applicants are not screened out by accident.

Many companies today use Recruiting Software Tools or Resume Collection Systems. When using these products recruiters must understand the process by which the Recruiting and Applicant Software filters and screens out applicants. By knowing these crucial facts, recruiters can tailor filters to reflect their exact needs and streamline the number of unqualified resumes they receive.

Recruiting organizations must also keep in mind the human factor when using these software products. As a result, Applicant Screener and Recruiter training is necessary to a successful recruiting, hiring, and retention plan. Certain areas of concentration when training an Applicant Screener or Recruiter include:

1. Instruction involving percentage based filtering techniques. This training also involves techniques for creating an open dialog with hiring managers. Effective Applicant Screeners and Recruiters must truly understand the real requirements of the position. Many new recruiters and screeners fall into the habit of trying to fulfill the complete wish list of a hiring manager thereby overlooking qualified candidates. For example, many job postings today have a college degree listed as a requirement thereby screening out more experienced applicants who do not have a college degree.

2. Key questions to ask during first contact to further filter perspective candidates. Standardize initial questions, acknowledged by all hiring managers will streamline the interview process and increase productivity.

3. An understanding of appropriate lines of communication during the screening and interviewing process is crucial to all individual involved. In todays litigious society it is extremely important to train all personnel dealing in the hiring process the importance of EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) guidelines.

4. An understanding of general company information, benefits, history for informational purposes, and providing standardize company information helps streamline company talking points. This is especially helpful in cold call recruiting, network recruiting and at job fairs.

Remember training Applicant Screeners and Recruiters influence the success of the Recruiting Cycle and it is an important aspect in the hiring of the most qualified applicants.